Disney princess or R-rated action? - Content

Disney princess or R-rated action?

For Hicksflicks.com, Friday, March 13, 2015

The major choices among this week’s new films are yet another variation on a popular fairy tale and yet another Liam Neeson action thriller. There are also three so-called “art” films, each playing exclusively at different area theaters.

“Cinderella” (PG). Disney concocted this live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale (which was an animated hit for Disney 65 years ago). Here, Lily James (of TV’s “Downton Abbey”) has the title role, with Cate Blanchett as her wicked stepmother, Helena Bonham Carter as her fairy godmother and Richard Madden as the prince. Co-stars include Stellan Skarsgard, Derek Jacobi, Ben Chaplin and Haley Atwell.

“Run All Night” (R). Liam Neeson? Again? Already? This is Neeson’s second thriller this year (and it’s only March) and his third since last September. Here, he’s a hitman trying to protect his son (Joel Kinnaman), who’s been targeted by Neeson’s former boss/best friend (Ed Harris). Co-stars include Bruce McGill, Vincent D’Onofrio.

“The Last Five Years” (R). Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan star in this urban musical, adapted from a stage play about a married couple looking back on (and singing about) the ups and downs of their five years together. (Exclusively at the Broadway Centre Cinemas.)

“What We Do in the Shadows” (not rated). New Zealand horror spoof about three vampire roommates whose isolation has prevented them from keeping up with 21st century advancements. When they turn a victim into another vampire, he helps them learn about technology — but they also have run-ins with other undead creatures and dreaded vampire hunters. (Exclusively at the Tower Theater.)

A la Mala (PG-13). Mexican romantic comedy (in Spanish with English subtitles) about an aspiring actress asked by a friend to flirt with her boyfriend to test his fidelity, which unexpectedly leads to a new career. Until she falls for one of her flirty marks, of course. (Exclusively at the Megaplex West Valley Cinemas.)